Hi @Janet81, The security deposit is really only a deterrent because it is quite difficult to receive payment from airbnb. The guest can simply deny the damage. Airbnb requires receipts showing cost of the item and cost of the labor/repair before payment. Airbnb may depreciate the cost of the item or decide it is "normal wear-and-tear" and pay nothing. You will likely receive a bad review from the guest.
I much prefer the VRBO option of having the guest purchase property damage insurance. I have made 2 claims to the insurance and it worked very well. No bad reviews from the guests either.
With airbnb the process dragged on (the guest denied any damage) and was emotionally draining. Reading the repeated denials and fabrications from the guest was infuriating and I'm sure the guest did not enjoy the process either. Definitely not worth the payment in the end.
